MBP Random Shutdown problem

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My Macbook pro 2.4 Ghz C2D, 2GB Ram, Model A1229 Running Snow Leopard.
I am not getting a kernel panic message it just randomly shuts down. I have checked the RAM and it is seated securely (I think it is supposed to chime upon startup if RAM isn't seated properly). I have been testing different Configurations to see if it changes the problem, and it seems to be very tempermental. With the power cord plugged in and battery in it seems to shut down sooner (within 15 minutes). But if the battery is removed and just run on the power supply alone it seems to last a lot longer. It could be heat related, but when it shuts down after 10 minutes on a cold startup I kind of ruled that out. Any Suggestions?
 

chscag

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Random shutdowns are hard to track down. Usually, they're caused by a hardware fault which means it could be memory, overheating (fans not running), power supply problems, faulty logic board, and so on.

What if anything do your logs say?

Also, you might want to download a free application which can monitor the temperatures and fan speeds. iStatPro is a free (donation ware) Dashboard widget which gives a read out of fans speeds and temps.
 
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Thank you for your help so far, I have tried resetting all those values and I have iStat pro to keep an eye on things. My right side fan is not functioning, so it is likely a heat issue. My question now is do you think heat would cause this shutdown after only 10-15 minutes from a cold startup? Also I have been watching iStat for a temp reading when it shuts down and it is no higher than 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit, this is relatively cool to cause a shutdown due to overheating right?
 

chscag

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I just checked to make sure your machine has two fans, and it does. According to Mactracker, you have a late 2007 17" MBP.

One fan not working will definitely drive temperatures up somewhat. Although 90 to 100 F is not hot enough to cause a shut down.

If you're handy, open up your MBP and clean it out on the inside by using canned air. It's possible that the right side fan is clogged with dirt and dust. Clean the fans and the vents. Maybe that right side fan will start back up and work again.

Instructions and tools needed to open it up can be found at iFixit: The free repair manual by looking up your model number. Just follow the step by step guide.
 
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I appreciate all the tips, I actually have the case off right now, I haven't experienced the shut down in over 3 hours or so. I am really scratching my head right now as to why this suddenly stopped shutting down, but I will grab some canned air tommorow and give it a good cleaning. As for the fan, it is a goner. I will report back if the problem starts happening again.
 

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OK, glad you have the skills to open it up. As for the fan, check out the web site I gave you in my previous reply as they also sell Mac parts. Changing out a fan is not difficult. Let us know how it goes...
 
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When a Mac desktop is spontaneously shutting down without an error message, the first thing that I suspect is a bad power supply.

When a Mac laptop is shutting down without an error message, the first thing that I suspect is a bad battery and/or energy-saving circuit.

You may want to download this program and see what it has to say about the health of your battery/energy-saving circuit:

coconutBattery (free, donations accepted)
coconutBattery 2.7 - by coconut-flavour.com

You may want to try re-calibrating your energy-saving circuitry:
Apple Portables: Calibrating your computer's battery for best performance

___________________________________________

Randy B. Singer
Co-author of The Macintosh Bible (4th, 5th, and 6th editions)

Macintosh OS X Routine Maintenance
OS X Maintenance And Troubleshooting
___________________________________________
 
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If it is my battery, it isn't showing any signs of being bad. Pressing the button reveals an accurate reading and it holds a three hour charge. Neither OSX or Coconut Battery reveal anything wrong.
 
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If it is my battery, it isn't showing any signs of being bad. Pressing the button reveals an accurate reading and it holds a three hour charge. Neither OSX or Coconut Battery reveal anything wrong.

That's good.

You may want to try re-calibrating your laptop's energy-saving circuitry next.
It may not be the solution, but it's easy to do, and free, so its worth investigating first.

Keep an eye on Coconut Battery as you use your MacBook Pro. it can tell you some interesting things, such as your battery's temperature.

___________________________________________

Randy B. Singer
Co-author of The Macintosh Bible (4th, 5th, and 6th editions)

Macintosh OS X Routine Maintenance
OS X Maintenance And Troubleshooting
___________________________________________
 

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